300 migrants drown as Europe terminates lifesaving programs

As many as 300 migrants attempting to reach European shores drowned this week after dinghies carrying them encountered difficulties following departure from the Libyan coast. In November, Italy withdrew its lifesaving flotilla Mare Nostrum, which had been responsible for preventing such tragedies, amidst concerns from EU member states that such provisions encourage migration. International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, have criticized the decision to terminate lifesaving programs, claiming that this most recent loss of life would have been avoidable had adequate search and rescue mechanisms been in place. Nearly 3,500 migrants died in 2014 during attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea, whilst 115 deaths have already been recorded since the beginning of this year. With the withdrawal of Mare Nostrum and Europe’s reticent attitude towards rescuing individuals that run into difficulties in its seas, fears have grown that the mortality rate could be even higher this year.

In the knowledge that the lack of lifesaving provision has not deterred migrants from attempting the perilous journey north, Europe must now demonstrate its commitment to avoiding future tragedies. Both Mare Nostrum and lifesaving programs more broadly are necessary elements of a migration policy that values human life. Europe must look deep within its core principles and ideals and determine where its true priorities lie. 

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